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My goal was to finish in the top 5 and taking 3rd place was a surprise. I had never ridden at Michaux Forest before and it was challenging. I did not expect the terrain that I encountered and I rode over my head.

Were you strong from start to finish?

No, I started strong, but faded with 5 miles remaining. I came back with about a mile remaining and managed to get one place back.

Did you change your race strategy after encountering the more difficult course this year?

My strategy is generally the same for every race. I try and find my pace for every course and then maintain that pace.

What was your favorite part of the course?

I liked it all...

When did you put the hammer down?

I pushed hard at the beginning to gain separation from the pack and keep up with the leaders of my class. Then I found my pace and tried to maintain it.

Due to the heat and difficult course did you have any problems with cramping or dehydrating?

Yes, I started to cramp badly with five miles to go in the race. I had to stop and walk for a few minutes...I was in either 1st or 2nd at that point and was caught and fell to 4th. I recovered some and managed to pull back to 2nd, but wasn't able to maintain the same pace I'd kept thru 13 miles...

Did you have any unusual problems?

Other than cramping, none.

How would you rate the course?

This was the toughest one-day race I've ever entered.

Were you happy with the way the race was run?

The start was confusing and it was hard to tell when we started racing. But overall, the race was well organized and well run. I'm looking forward to the next one.